Iceland and the GIUK Gap: NATO member, small country, big role

The small island country of Iceland is located in a very strategic location in the Atlantic Ocean. Iceland – NATO member with a big role – has been a key component of NATO’s maritime security posture and in surveillance of the Greenland Iceland United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. This is primarily due to the country’s geographic position between the North American continent and the British Isles and Europe. Iceland has been a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization since its foundation in 1949. [1]

Map depicting the GIUK gap and Iceland

The Greenland Iceland United Kingdom (GIUK) gap is a term used to describe the area of the North Atlantic Ocean that Russian attack submarines need to traverse through to reach the trans-Atlantic shipping lanes and the coast of the United States. The Russian Northern Fleet operating out of its base in Murmansk has to cross the GIUK gap to deploy its submarines and surface vessels beyond the Barents and Norwegian Seas. Iceland, with its sea access and airport provides NATO an excellent base from which to conduct maritime surveillance of the GIUK gap.

In addition Iceland is an ideal base for stationing of Search and Rescue (SAR) vessels and aircraft. Its position in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean lends itself to aid in maritime emergencies for cargo ships, passenger ships, and fishing vessels. The Icelandic Coast Guard has offshore patrol vessels, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters to perform its security, law enforcement, and search and rescue missions.

Russian submarine capacity and activity has increased over the past few years and the technology gap between NATO and Russian capabilities in submarine warfare has decreased. [2] In addition, NATO has been faced with a resurgent Russia that is becoming more forceful in the international arena (Crimea, Ukraine, Syria, etc.).

Iceland Defense Force

In 2006 the United States, faced with military budget constraints and a seemingly diminished threat from the Russian Navy fleet, closed down military operations in Iceland. From 1951 to 2006 the United States provided a military command called the Iceland Defense Force (IDF) to provide for the defense of Iceland – as the small country did not have a much of a military of its own. [3] However, it appears that the United States will be re-energizing its military presence in Iceland.

The United States has recently committed to provide funding for upgrades to the airfield in Keflavik, Iceland. [4] This will allow U.S. Navy’s P-9 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to keep tabs on Russian subs traveling through the GIUK gap. Currently the Navy’s P-3 Orion conducts this maritime patrol mission from Iceland.

If Russia continues its expansionist activities and increased naval activity then we may see a more active role by Iceland in NATO exercises and activities. In addition, we will likely see increased air and naval activity on and in the vicinity of Iceland by the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Norway and other NATO nations.

NATO, Iceland: NATO’s Eye in the North, May 25, 2016. This 4-minute long video highlights the strategic role that Iceland has within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Lu26wb6Hik

About the Author

About John Friberg

is a retired Command Chief Warrant Officer (CW5 180A) with 40 years service in U.S. Army Special Forces with active duty and reserve components. Since his Army retirement he has worked for three years as a Counterinsurgency Advisor in Afghanistan (2012-2014) and as a defense contractor providing exercise support and military advisor training for USSOCOM and NATO (2015-2016). In his civilian occupation (when not on active duty) he worked domestically and overseas in high risk areas as a security consultant specializing in personal protection, protective systems, and anti-terrorism. He holds a Certificate of Proficiency in Security Management from University of Massachusetts - Lowell (one-year program) and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree (ALB) from Harvard University concentrating in International Relations.

BECAUSE, FACTS DON'T TAKE SIDES

More From NEWSREP

Comments

Join our community. To comment on this article please join/login.
Here's a sample of the comments on this post.

Jerry Sullivan

Dang Mr Friberg, you have lived a storied life as a master operator... this brings a smile to my face as I consider the pleasure of the many men who served with you along the way and the honor of having served with them. Quite remarkable sir, QUITE! Thank you for that!!!

Pat G

Since Putin has revitalized Russia's military training and equipment like tanks, planes, satellites, subs, radar, missile defenses, and is continuing aggression, it sounds like a very good idea to increase our military presence and investment in Iceland. I remember reading last year that the commander of U.S. air forces in Europe said our big advantage in air over Russia was shrinking as they were closing the gap. He said one tactic to contend with their improved air defense system was to expand the number of airbases used by NATO war planes. Iceland is in such a strategic position I'm sure it's good for the air advantage and, also, keeping an eye on all those Russian subs. Thanks!

Thanks for reading. Try 4 weeks of unlimited access for $1.99
SUBSCRIBE NOW

We’re glad you’re enjoying NEWSREP. You’re almost out of free articles for this month.
SUBSCRIBE NOW

YOU HAVE ALREADY REACHED YOUR MONTHLY LIMIT TO ACCESS OUR ARTICLES.

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO CONTINUE READING.

Your subscription is important and supports our editorial integrity. Advertisers are sometimes afraid of being associated with controversial news topics, and your subscription is vital to ensuring we can continue to publish the courageous news we are known and respected for.